SunWatch

2301 W. River Road, Dayton, OH 45417

(937) 268-8199

Established in 1988, SunWatch is one of two institutions under the direction of the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH). This outdoor museum marks the site of a roughly 3 acre village that had once belonged to the people of Fort Ancient. Artifacts recovered from the site's 17-year-long archaeological excavation and reconstructed village structures comprise the museum's exhibits both outdoors and inside the Heilman-Kettering Interpretive Center.

Important Information

Website: https://www.sunwatch.org/

Hours of Operation: 9am - 5pm Tues - Sat; 12pm - 5pm Sun; CLOSED Mon.

NOTE: SunWatch is a seasonal location that is closed DEC - MAR.

Use the drop-down menus below to explore environmental literacy programming at SunWatch!

Virtual Programming/Distance Learning

Distance learning & virtual interactive programs from DSNH include pre- and post-activity packets to help you integrate participatory learning experiences into your classroom!


  1. COMING SOON - "Native Species" virtual interactive experience with the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration (CILC) --> The SunWatch site features a native garden and prairie with plants typical of the period during which the village was active. DSNH educators are currently developing a life science program that utilizes these spaces to teach students about habitat preservation, ecosystem services, and Ohio native species!

ETA: Summer 2022

Environmental Literacy Standards

At SunWatch, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environment and the circumstances and conditions affecting it, particularly as it relates to air, climate, land, food, energy, water, and ecosystems.

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of society’s impact on the natural world

  • Investigate and analyze environmental issues, and make accurate conclusions about effective solutions.


Special thanks to: Eila Ahonen-Miller → Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator/Acting Distance Learning Coordinator

Special thanks to collaborator Eila Ahonen-Miller (Museum Educator and Lab Coordinator, Acting Distance Learning Coordinator)

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